Content Warning: Frankly in Love includes talk of racism, including racist encounters. It also mentions an armed robbery and depicts panic attacks.

In a short section before Chapter 1 (“before we begin”), Frank Li introduces himself as an individual with both an American and Korean name: Frank and Sung-Min.

Frank has just begun his senior year and is dreading his future. He remembers taking the PSAT, and his excellent score being a disappointment to his parents, who hoped he would get a near-perfect score, putting him in the running for admission to Harvard. Frank also worries about his older sister Hanna, who is estranged from the family. Although Hanna did attend Harvard Law School and landed a prestigious job immediately after, her decision to pursue a relationship with a Black man was something her parents could not accept.

Frank’s best friend is Q, a Black boy who “shares” the surname “Lee.” The boys spend their time watching movies, playing video games, and having deep conversations. They also like to visit Lake Girlfriend, which is a fountain in the Westchester Mall, which Frank likes to record for the sound of water. There, they sometimes talk about what they hope for in a girlfriend.